Axis Bank ACE vs Kotak Mahindra Bank League Platinum
A field-by-field comparison of fees, reward rates, accelerated categories, caps, exclusions, lounge access and forex markup, using each issuer's own published terms. Affiliate payout never decides the verdict.
Short answer
Axis Bank ACE and Kotak Mahindra Bank League Platinum differ first on recurring cost: Axis Bank ACE has an annual fee of ₹499 against ₹499 + GST for Kotak Mahindra Bank League Platinum, so holding cost is identical. On rewards, Axis Bank ACE earns 1.5% in Cashback while Kotak Mahindra Bank League Platinum earns 4 Reward Points per ₹150 on eligible spend below ₹2 lakh a year. Both publish the same 3.5% forex markup. Neither card wins outright: the better choice depends on which accelerated categories match your spend, the monthly caps, the exclusions and issuer approval fit.
Source: CardMasters issuer-evidence catalogue, release 2026-08-04. Confirm final terms with the issuer.
| Feature | Axis Bank ACE | Kotak Mahindra Bank League Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Axis Bank | Kotak Mahindra Bank |
| Joining fee | ₹499 | ₹499 + GST |
| Annual fee | ₹499 | ₹499 + GST |
| Fee waiver | ₹2,00,000 annual eligible spend | ₹50,000 annual eligible spend |
| Base rewards | 1.5% in Cashback | 4 Reward Points per ₹150 on eligible spend below ₹2 lakh a year |
| Accelerated routes | GPay bill payments/DTH/recharge · Swiggy, Zomato and Ola | 8 Reward Points per ₹150 on issuer-listed special categories, and on all eligible spend once ₹2 lakh of annual spend is reached |
| Reward exclusions | fuel, rent, wallet load, emi, utility, telecom, education, government, insurance, gold, jewellery, financial institutions, cash advance, repayments | fuel, rent, wallet load |
| Forex markup | 3.5% | 3.5% |
| Domestic lounge | 4/yr (spend condition) | none |
| International lounge | none | none |
| Card networks | Visa | Visa Platinum |
| Best suited to | bills utilities, cashback, flat rate | movies, first card, milestone spender |
| Issuer evidence | Checked 2026-07-23 | Checked 2026-08-04 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Axis Bank ACE better than the Kotak Mahindra Bank League Platinum?
Neither is universally better. Axis Bank ACE charges ₹499 a year and earns 1.5% in Cashback; Kotak Mahindra Bank League Platinum charges ₹499 + GST and earns 4 Reward Points per ₹150 on eligible spend below ₹2 lakh a year. The better card is the one whose accelerated categories, caps and exclusions match your actual spending, after subtracting the annual fee and GST.
Which of the two has the lower annual fee, Axis Bank ACE or Kotak Mahindra Bank League Platinum?
Both cards carry the same recorded annual fee of ₹499, so the decision rests on rewards, caps and exclusions rather than holding cost.
Which is better for international spending, Axis Bank ACE or Kotak Mahindra Bank League Platinum?
Both publish a 3.5% forex markup, so compare international reward eligibility and lounge access instead.
Can I hold both cards together?
Yes, provided each is approved on its own merits and you can pay both statements in full. Holding both makes sense only when their accelerated categories do not overlap; otherwise the second card adds an annual fee without adding rewards.